A few good athletes will decide the team championship this weekend

 

By Michael Newman

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There are coaches that would like to have a team championship the week after the individual finals. Proponents of that idea claim that a few athletes that score the majority of the points for their team is not ideal to produce a team championship. We could see that situation happen this season as some star female athletes could decide who brings home a trophy in the 1A State Meet.

 

Jenny Kimbro (Sidell Jamaica COOP) is the defending champion in both the 100 Hurdles and 300 Hurdles. She could also score in the 200 and Long Jump giving her team a chance for a state championship. Amanda McClain led her Sullivan to a second place finish last year winning the 400, anchoring the 800 Relay to a win, and scoring in the 200 and Long Jump. She could win three events this year and put her team again in good position for the win.

 

Defending team champions Aurora Christian will contend again but will rely on the legs of Natasha Brown for the team championship. Seneca has sixteen qualifiers and could find their way to the award podium at the end of the meet.

 

But that is what this state meet is all about. It is the stories of one athlete overcoming fatigue and achieving something special. There are a number of athletes that we can tell stories about. That is what makes the IHSA finals so special.

 

Here is a look at the individual events that will be contested Thursday and Saturday. Teams to watch are listed at the end of this preview.

 

 

4 x 800 Meter Relay

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 8:59.03 – Wheaton-Warrenville South - 2012

IHSA 1A State Meet Record – 9:20.40 – Palos Heights Chicago Christian - 2010

2015 1A Seasonal Best – 9:44.60 – Carthage Illini West

2015 1A Sectional Best -  9:44.71 – Deer Creek Mackinaw

2015 Seasonal Best – 9:11.96 - Palatine

 

Outlook –  Mackinaw Deer Creek returned all of their runners from last year’s state championship team. They have the fastest sectional time by six seconds and should be the favorite in this event. Seasonal leader Carthage Illini West did not make the finals making it a toss-up on who will chase DCM. Eureka finished six seconds behind Deer-Creek Mackinaw at the Lewistown Sectional but could be a threat here. Eureka runners Mercer Mack and Quincy McSweeney just missed qualifying in the 800 Meters. Less races in Charleston makes Eureka a challenger. Decatur St. Teresa, Petersburg PORTA, Tolono Unity, and Seneca are among the teams that will challenge for the first final of the 2015 state championship meet.

 

 

4 x 100 Meter Relay

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 46.04 – Frankfort Lincoln-Way East - 2014

IHSA 1A State Meet Record – 48.51 – South Holland Seton Academy - 2012

2015 1A Seasonal Best – 49.41 – Chicago Luther North

2015 1A Sectional Best – 49.41 – Chicago Luther North

2015 Seasonal Best – 47.31 – Frankfort Lincoln-Way East

 

Outlook – Luther North has been the hot sprint relay team this spring. They ran the fastest sectional time last week chased by Aurora Christian at the Lisle Sectional. Both teams will go at it again this weekend. Carthage Illini West is the defending champion and will go after these two teams led by Michaela Gronewold. Henry Senachwine, Bureau Valley, St. Joseph-Ogden, and Mercer County are among the quartets that will challenge for the state championship.

 

 

3200 Meter Run

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 9:56.96 – Kayla Beattie – Woodstock - 2011

IHSA 1A State Meet Record – 10:13.24 – Suzie Tuffey – Peoria Bergan - 1984

2015 1A Seasonal Best – 10:36.25 – Anna Sophia Keller (SO) – Effingham St. Anthony

2015 1A Sectional Best – 10:41.79 – Anna Sophia Keller (SO) – Effingham St. Anthony

2015 Seasonal Best – 10:34.55 – Judy Pendergast (SR) – Naperville North

 

Outlook – Who could forget the end of last year’s race when Anna Sophia Keller stumbled in the last 10 meters allowing Byron’s Kelsey Hildreth to win the state championship. I am sure that Keller has not forgotten that moment. It could drive her in this state meet. She only has run this event three times in 2015. She does have two of the top three times in the state this season. Daly Galloway (Dwight HS) will be Keller’s biggest competition. She did push Keller the first half of last fall’s state cross country meet before Keller pulled away. Galloway will stick close to Keller in this race. Galloway ran 10:49.1 at the Herscher at the beginning of May. This race could be closer than people think. I also think the 1A record of Suzie Tuffey could be broken with Galloway and Keller pushing each other.

 

Erika Hibser (Lewistown HS) and Keri Burmester (Red Bud HS) both ran 11:21 in sectional competition and will be threats towards the front. Adrienne Brauer (Petersburg PORTA HS) won the Top Times championship indoors. She has run 11:23 during the outdoor season and could be towards the front. Carly Garnett (Carthage Illini West HS) won the Rushville Sectional and will be up front as well. Also keep an eye on Isabella Wolke (Christian Liberty Academy, Arlington Heights), Jillian Monier (Henry-Senachwine HS), and Claudia Magnussen (Pana HS).

 

 

100 Meter Hurdles

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 13.54 – Dawn Harper – East St. Louis-Senior - 2001

IHSA 1A State Meet Record – 14.35 – Paige Knodle – Byron - 2011

2015 1A Seasonal Best – 14.41 – Jenny Kimbro (JR) – Sidell Jamaica (COOP)

2015 1A Sectional Best – 14.66 – Jenny Kimbro (JR) – Sidell Jamaica (COOP)

2015 Seasonal Best – 13.66 – Jayla Stewart (SR) – Homewood-Flossmoor

 

Outlook – I think it will be hard to stop Jenny Kimbro in this event in Charleston. The defending state champion has the fastest sectional time by almost a second. It is the same type of margin in the state seasonal leaderboards. Unless something drastic happens to Kimbro, the race will be for second.

 

Lucy Rulon (St. Thomas More HS, Champaign) has run 15.24 this season and could be in that battle for second. McKendra Barthelme (Newton HS) could be the biggest threat to Kimbro. She has run 15.30 this season. Annie Carlson (Westmont HS), Elizabeth Bristow (St. Thomas More HS, Champaign), Cassie Meyer (Argenta-Oreana HS), Ryan Dooley (Moweaqua Central A&M HS), and Emery Podowicz (Clifton Central HS) will be among the athletes chasing for the win.

 

 

100 Meter Dash

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 11.41 – Alexandria Anderson – Chicago Morgan Park – 2004

                                                         Morolake Akinosun – Aurora Waubonsie Valley - 2012

IHSA 1A State Meet Record – 12.02 – Jenna Hemann – Breese Central - 2011

2015 1A Seasonal Best – 12.32 – Isabella Newingham (JR) – Macon Meridian

2015 1A Sectional Best -  12.32 – Isabella Newingham (JR) – Macon Meridian

2015 Seasonal Best – 11.78 – Dominique Lewis (SR) – Champaign Centennial

 

Outlook – This event is wide open. There are a number of athletes that could take home the top prize. Isabella Newingham had the fastest sectional time and could win. She has run under 12.5 on three separate occasions this year. The fastest times have come in the past two weeks. Mariah Woods (Seton Academy, South Holland) ran 12.40 at the GCAC Championships. She finished 9^th in the final last year and could be hungry for the top of the podium. Jada Williams (Luther North HS, Chicago) ran 12.43 last week at Lisle and could be the front runner. Kaitlin Pearson (Elgin Academy) finished third last year and could move up in 2015. Her 12.60 sectional winning time at Oregon makes her a threat. Amanda Kereta (Henry-Senachwine HS) ran 12.58 to win at Bureau Valley. Do not dismiss her.

 

Willow Stuedemann (Seneca HS) finished second a year ago but has run only 12.67 this year according to DyeStat TFX. She is a big meet performer who could step to the front in this meet. Aja Trask (Urbana University HS), Edoise Omoike (Lisle HS), Natasha Brown (Aurora Christian HS), and Nichyria Byrd (Ogden International, Chicago) will be among the sprinters that could also challenge for the top spot.

 

 

800 Meter Run

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 2:07.05 – Courtney Clayton – Rockton Hononegah - 2013

IHSA 1A State Meet Record – 2:09.12 – Stephanie Brown – Downs Tri-Valley - 2009

2015 1A Seasonal Best – 2:17.73 – Anna Sophia Keller (SO) – Effingham St. Anthony

2015 1A Sectional Best – 2:19.66 – Audrey Harrod (SO) – Hinckley Big Rock

2015 Seasonal Best – 2:11.27 – Michaela Hackbarth (SR) – Downers Grove South

 

Outlook – Defending champion Cassie Mundekis (Midwest Central HS, Manito) has a good shot at Stephanie Brown’s 1A record and maybe the overall state record. She ran 2:12.01 indoors at the New Balance Nationals and is capable of going faster this weekend. She is also qualified in the 400. It will be interesting if that takes anything out of her. My thinking is that it won’t in this two lap event.

 

The battle could be for second in this event. Audrey Harrod has the fastest sectional time and could get close to 2:15 in Charleston. Mariah Brodie (Carthage Illini West HS), Marguerite Hendrickson (St. Thomas More HS, Champaign), Hannah Stone (Tolono Unity HS), Emma Henderson (Tuscola HS), and Valerie Richter (Harvest Christian Academy, Elgin) will be among the runners towards the front.

 

 

4 x 200 Meter Relay

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 1:36.86 – Frankfort Lincoln-Way East - 2013

IHSA 1A State Meet Record – 1:42.82 – Sullivan - 2012

2015 1A Seasonal Best – 1:44.23 – Chicago Luther North

2015 1A Sectional Best – 1:44.23 – Chicago Luther North

2015 Seasonal Best – 1:40.44 – Oak Park-River Forest

 

Outlook – It is hard to dismiss defending champion Sullivan with Amanda McClain and Emily Neuhauser part of their quartet. Sullivan has only run 1:47.42 this season as well as placing second behind Decatur St. Teresa at the Moweaqua Central A&M last weekend. It could come down to a battle between Luther North and Aurora Christian who have the two fastest sectional times by more than a second. Luther North ran 1:44.23 last week. Could they get close to Sullivan’s 2012 record on Saturday? Carthage Illini West, St. Joseph-Ogden, and Mercer County could be among the teams to challenge in the front.

 

400 Meter Dash

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 52.63 – Alexandria Anderson – Chicago Morgan Park - 2005

IHSA 1A State Meet Record – 55.66 – Alisa Baron – Manlius Bureau Valley - 2008

2015 1A Seasonal Best – 56.62 – Amanda McClain (SR) - Sullivan

2015 1A Sectional Best – 58.38 – Sophie Keith (JR) - Pinckneyville

2015 Seasonal Best – 54.80 – Brittny Ellis (SR) – Gurnee Warren Township

 

Outlook –  Defending champion Amanda McClain has run 56.32 this season and has the fastest time by almost two seconds in 1A this season. Even though she will be coming back from the 800 relay (like she did last year), the Sullivan senior will still be the favorite. Sophie Keith has the fastest sectional time and could challenge. Tessa Holland (Fieldcrest HS, Minonk), Teal Burnett (Marshall HS), and Megan Reed (Cambridge HS) will also in the mix. Keep an eye on Cassie Mundekis. She will be coming back from the 800 with little recovery. I would not count this state champion out in her final state meet appearance.

 

 

300 Meter Hurdles

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 40.61 – Shalina Clarke – Evanston Township - 2005

IHSA 1A State Meet Record – 42.96 – Pam Wolf – Roseville - 2003

2015 1A Seasonal Best – 43.09 – Jenny Kimbro (JR) – Sidell Jamaica (COOP)

2015 1A Sectional Best – 43.41 – Jenny Kimbro (JR) – Sidell Jamaica (COOP)

2015 Seasonal Best – 43.09 – Jenny Kimbro (JR) – Sidell Jamaica (COOP)

 

Outlook – Jenny Kimbro is running at her best in this event just at the right time. Her 43.09 time run at Monday’s Honor Roll Meet at Urbana is evidence of that. It is a good bet that the defending state champion could get the 1A state record. She is only tenth behind Pam Wolf’s record time but this could be her fifth race of the meet in the finals.

 

She is a good bet to win this event but not a slam dunk. Annie Carlson (Westmont HS), who finished third in this event last year, is her closest competition running 44.60 almost a second and a half behind. Jorji Sparrgrove (Moweaqua Central A&M), Karissa Roman (Wethersfield HS, Kewanee), Cora Wilkinson (Seneca HS), and Elizabeth Bristow (St. Thomas More HS, Champaign) will be among the athletes challenging for an all-state finish. All are about two seconds behind Carlson on the seasonal lists.

 

 

1600 Meter Run

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 4:43.65 – Kayla Beattie – Woodstock - 2011

IHSA 1A State Meet Record – 4:46.74 – Suzie Tuffey – Peoria Bergan - 1984

2015 1A Seasonal Best – 4:54.20 – Anna Sophia Keller (SO) – Effingham St. Anthony

2015 1A Sectional Best – 5:04.81 – Daly Galloway (SO) - Dwight

2015 Seasonal Best – 4:54.00 – Kelly O’Brien (JR) - Palatine

 

Outlook – This will be a close race. Anna Sophia Keller, Daly Galloway, and Erika Hibser will be coming back from the 3200. Keller has run 4:54 this year and is the defending champion. She is undefeated in the 1600 in the 2 years racing on the high school level in Illinois. It will be tough to unseat Keller at the top. She has sub 69 second finishing speed in this event.

 

Galloway ran 5:04 last week in her sectional win and will be a threat to Keller. Hibser ran 5:02 earlier in the season and could also pull of the surprise. Maria Brauer (PORTA HS, Petersburg) could be in the front too. She ran 5:12 last week ahead of her sister Adrienne at Central A&M, but she will only be in the 3200 relay along with this event. Arielle Summitt (Urbana University HS), Rebecca Wert (Aurora Christian HS), Isabella Wolke, and Carly Garnett will be among the runners in the front. Keep an eye on the prelims on Thursday. Keller ran 4:54 in the prelims last year. It could be faster this time around. We could see a sub 5 race in the finals.

 

 

200 Meter Dash

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 23.32 – Alexandria Anderson – Chicago Morgan Park - 2005

IHSA 1A State Meet Record – 24.90 – Shelly Smith – Kewanee Wethersfield – 1992

                                                24.90 – Jennifer Hoffman – South Holland Seton Academy - 2001

2015 1A Seasonal Best – 25.38 – Amanda McClain (SR) - Sullivan

2015 1A Sectional Best – 25.63 – Natasha Brown (SR) – Aurora Christian

2015 Seasonal Best – 24.46 – Brittny Ellis (SR) – Gurnee Warren Township

 

Outlook – The team state championship could come down to this event. Teammates Amanda McClain and Emily Neuhauser have two of the top three 1A times in the 200. They could score some big points for their team. The 200 could be the best event for Natasha Brown. The defending champion has only run 25.63 this season, but she has been through this process before. The one athlete that could be the threat is Jenny Kimbro. This will be her sixth race of the weekend if she makes the finals. She did run 25.54 at Urbana’s Honor Roll Meet. She should be among the front runners in this competitions.

 

Willow Stuedemann (Seneca HS) finished sixth in 2014 and should be among the finalists. Mariah Woods, Annie Carlson, and Kaitlyn Pearson are others runners that are threats to finish in the top three. We could see a winning time near 25 seconds.

 

 

4 x 400 Meter Relay

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 3:45.14 – East St. Louis-Lincoln - 1984

IHSA 1A State Meet Record – 3:56.90 – Freeburg - 2005

2015 1A Seasonal Best – 4:03.37 – Carthage Illini West

2015 1A Sectional Best – 4:06.37 – Carthage Illini West

2015 Seasonal Best – 3:52.19 – Frankfort Lincoln-Way East

 

Outlook – Carthage Illini West has the fastest 1A time by three seconds and will be the big favorite. Decatur St. Teresa, Moweaqua Central A&M, Farmington, Luther North, and Eureka could threaten also for the win.

 

Field Events

 

Long Jump

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 20-9 – Alexandria Anderson – Chicago Morgan Park - 2005

IHSA 1A State Meet Record – 20-1 ½ - Jenna Hemann – Breese Central - 2011

2015 1A Seasonal Best – 18-2 – Amanda McClain (SR) - Sullivan

2015 1A Sectional Best – 17-11 ½ - Amanda McClain (SR) – Sullivan

                                          17-11 ½ - Nichyria Byrd (SR) – Chicago Ogden International

2015 Seasonal Best – 20-1 ½ - Briana Driver (SR) – Chicago Mother McAuley

 

Outlook – Amanda McClain’s big meet experience comes into play in this event. Last year’s third place finisher has the longest leap outdoors. She did jump 18-4 ¾ at Top Times indoors. Watch for her to push for a big jump during prelims on Thursday putting the pressure on the rest of her competition. Nichyria Byrd jumped 17-11 ½ in her sectional meet and could be McClain’s top competition. Tessa Holland (Fieldcrest HS, Minonk) jumped 17-11 at the beginning of the month at her county meet and could push past 18 feet. Jorji Sparrgrove won the sectional on her home runway at Moweaqua with a 17-8 jump. She could be in the mix in the top three.

 

 

Triple Jump

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 41-5 – Deana Simmons – Decatur MacArthur - 1996

IHSA 1A State Meet Record – 39-3 ¼ - Kendall Rush – Spring Valley Hall - 2009

2015 1A Seasonal Best – 39-11 ½ - Nichyria Byrd (SR) – Chicago Ogden International

2015 – 1A Sectional Best – 39-11 ½ - Nichyria Byrd (SR) – Chicago Ogden International

2015 Seasonal Best – 41-6 ¼ - LaJarvia Brown (JR) - Alton

 

Outlook – Nichyria Byrd jumped a personal best 39-11 ½ at the Lisle Sectional last weekend and has the best 1A sectional jump by close to three feet. She will be the favorite in this event. Her chief competition will come from Megan Reed (Cambridge HS) who jumped 38-6 ½ at the end of April. If Byrd is off this weekend, Reed could capitalize on that. Lexi Wilkinson (Seneca HS), Annie Carlson (Westmont HS), and Sarah Lauer (Oregon HS) have been in the low 36’s most of the season. One of them could go 37 to finish in the top three.

 

 

High Jump

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 5-11 – Melinda Morris – Buffalo Tri-City - 1980

IHSA 1A State Meet Record – 5-11 – Melinda Morris – Buffalo Tri-City - 1980

2015 1A Seasonal Best – 5-7 – Karissa Roman (SR) – Kewanee Wethersfield

2015 1A Sectional Best – 5-7 – Karissa Roman (SR) – Kewanee Wethersfield

2015 Seasonal Best – 5-9 – Emma Haugen (SR) – LaGrange Lyons Township

 

Outlook – This will be a good final. Karissa Roman is the defending champion and looks to be peaking at the right time. Last week, at the Bureau Valley Sectional she cleared 5-7. Her personal best is 5-8 when she won state last year. That height could get her another state championship on Saturday. Tessa Holland (Fieldcrest HS, Minonk) has been all-state twice with last year’s fourth place finish her best. She has cleared 5-6 outdoors this season making her Roman’s chief competition.

 

Hope Tewes (Pleasant Plains HS), Marie Harla (Althoff HS, Belleville), Lucy Rulon (St. Thomas More HS, Champaign), and Billi Fox (Illini Bluffs HS, Glasford) are among the athletes that could also push for the titles. I think that it will come down to Roman and Holland in a classic final.

 

 

Pole Vault

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 13-4 – Lindsey Murray – Harrisburg HS - 2014

IHSA 1A State Meet Record – 12-10 – Morgan Zacharias – Braidwood Reed Custer - 2014

2015 1A Seasonal Best – 13-0 - Morgan Zacharias (SR) – Braidwood Reed Custer

2015 1A Sectional Best – 13-0 - Morgan Zacharias (SR) – Braidwood Reed Custer

2015 Seasonal Best – 13-0 – Morgan Zacharias (SR) – Braidwood Reed Custer

 

Outlook – The battle is for second place in this event. The only competition that Morgan Zacharias will have is the cross bar in front of her. The defending state champion has the highest state clearance outdoors (13-0). She holds the 1A record in this event. Her eyes are probably on Lindsey Murray’s state record set last year. Katie Denby (Carlinville HS), Kristin Slaughter (St. Anthony HS, Effingham), Teah Bliven (Trenton-Wesclin HS), and Hanna Atwood (St. Joseph-Ogden HS) are among the athletes challenging for the second spot.

 

 

Shot Put

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 50-9 ½ - Emmonnie Henderson – Edwardsville - 2013

IHSA 1A State Meet Record – 49-11 ½ - Kelsey Card – Carlinville - 2011

2015 1A Seasonal Best – 50-10 – Kathleen Young (SO) – Warrensburg-Latham

2015 1A Sectional Best – 47-2 ½ - Kathleen Young (SO) – Warrensburg-Latham

2015 Seasonal Best – 50-10 – Kathleen Young (SO) – Warrensburg-Latham

 

Outlook – National list leader KD Young is the big favorite in this event. The lowest that she has gone was 44- 1 ½ in a triangular meet in the middle of April. The defending 1A state champion has been past 48 feet four times this outdoor season.  Rachel Clowers (Pleasant Hill HS) is her closest competition. She is six feet behind with her 42-6 sectional performance. The overall state record and 1A record are in Young’s sights.

 

Freshman Emily Offenheiser (Stockton HS) has gone 42-2 this year and could be a challenger for the top three. It would not surprise me if she goes past 44 feet. Katie Goterman (Auburn HS), Abby Nicholson (Sidell Jamaica COOP HS), and Carissa Tinsley (Ridgeview HS, Colfax) are among the athletes that could finish in the top five this weekend.

 

 

Discus

 

IHSA State Meet Record – 167-4 – Kelsey Card – Carlinville - 2010

IHSA 1A State Meet Record - 167-4 – Kelsey Card – Carlinville - 2010

2015 1A Seasonal Best – 159-8 - Kathleen Young (SO) – Warrensburg-Latham

2015 1A Sectional Best – 138-9 - Kathleen Young (SO) – Warrensburg-Latham

2015 Seasonal Best – 159-8 – Kathleen Young (SO) – Warrensburg-Latham

 

Outlook – KD Young is also the defending champion in this event. She has improved in this event and now has the sixth best throw in the country. She has been over 140 feet six times and will be tough to beat. If Young is in the low 140’s, this competition could be close. Rachel Clowers has gone 142-10 this spring and would challenge. Megan McElroy (Carthage Illini West HS) has also been over 140 feet this season. If Young has an off day, it will be one of these two athletes ahead of her. Kattie Witte and Abby Nicholson (Sidell Jamaica COOP), Kylie Davis (Eureka HS), and Mikah Maples (Moweaqua Central A&M) are athletes that you could find in the first five.

 

 

Top Teams to Watch (in alphabetical order)

 

 

Aurora Christian

State Qualifiers – 10 Total: 6 Individuals, 4 Relays

 

Outlook – The defending state champions will need to rely on the legs of Natasha Brown to capture another state championship. Brown is the defending state champion in the 200 and will be one of the favorites in the event. She will also be among the top sprinters in the 100. Aurora Christian will need some big points in both the 400 and 800 Relays. They are seeded high in both events. Rebecca Wert qualified in both the 800 and 1600. Her team will need points from her in one of those events. She will also be a part of the 3200 Relay that could find their way into the top nine.

 

 

Carthage Illini West

State Qualifiers – 9 Total: 6 Individuals, 3 Relays

 

Outlook – They finished fourth a year ago. They have a good shot of placing in the top three in this edition of the state meet. Relays have been a major staple of this team and they will need to rely on them again. They have the fastest seed time in the 1600 Relay. The 400 and 800 Relays could score some big points. Mariah Brodie has a good chance to place in the top three in the 800. Carly Garnett could score points in both the 1600 & 3200. Megan McElroy has a good chance to place in the top three of the Discus. Put those altogether and Illini West could be bringing a state trophy back home.

 

 

Chicago Luther North

State Qualifiers – 8 Total: 5 Individuals, 3 Relays

 

Outlook - This team has come on strong all season and is in position to place high in the team standings this weekends. They will need no mistakes if they want to place in the top three. Jada Williams will be one of the favorites in the 100. She will also help Luther North’s chances in the 400 and 800 Relay in which they have the top seed times for this meet. Ariel Schumaker could give her team points in the Shot Put. It would be a bonus in she could also place in the Discus.

 

 

Decatur St. Teresa

State Qualifiers – 13 Total: 9 Individuals, 4 Relays

 

Outlook – The Bulldogs won one of the toughest 1A sectionals in the state and put themselves in good position to finish in the top five this weekend. It would not surprise me if all four relays make the finals. The 3200 Meter Relay has the potential to place in the top three. The 800 Relay could also do the same. Bree Tschosik could score points in the 1600. She will be a part of the 3200 Relay along with Lauren Evelti who could get to the finals in the 800. Kite Oladipupo may get points in the 100. She will play a big part in the two sprint relays. St. Teresa will need to get points from Katie Hise in either the Shot Put or Discus.

 

 

Eureka

State Qualifiers – 7 Total: 3 Individuals, 4 Relays

 

Outlook – There is no room for mistakes for the Hornets in this meet if they want to finish in the first five. Their 3200 Meter Relay, led by Quincy McSweeney, is one of the favorites in this event. They could also be a big part in the top three in the 1600 Meter Relay. It would be a bonus if either of the two sprint relays make the finals. Kylie Davis could be among the front finishers in the Discus. She could also get her team points in the Shot Put.

 

Kewanee Wethersfield

State Qualifiers – 10 Total: 7 Individuals, 3 Relays

 

Outlook – Karissa Roman will be the big scorer for her team in this meet. She is the defending champion in the High Jump and will be the favorite in that event this weekend. Roman could also finish in the top five in the 300 Hurdles. Olivia Draminski and Kirstie Ramsey will power their 3200 Relay to a front finish. Ramsey could also score points in the 1600. Draminski could make it to the finals of the 800.

 

 

Moweaqua Central A&M

State Qualifiers – 12 Total: 9 Individuals, 3 Relays

 

Outlook – This team has the tradition having won a number of state championships. This team will be in the mix of finishing towards the front this weekend. Jorji Sparrgrove will supply her team big points in the Long Jump where she could finish in the first three as well in the 300 Hurdles. Ryan Dooley could pick up points in both of the hurdle events. Mikah Maples could finish in the top five in the Discus. She could also pick up some bonus points in the Shot Put. Central A&M could be among the top teams in the 1600 Relay. It would be a bonus if they could qualify for the finals in the 400 or 800 Relay.

 

 

Newton

State Qualifiers – 14 Total: 10 Individuals, 4 Relays

 

Outlook – Newton picked up 14 qualifiers in easily winning their own sectional. McKendra Barthelme will be the big scorer for her team. She could finish in the top three in the 100 Hurdles, the top five in the Long Jump, and could pick up bonus points in either the 300 Hurdles or the Triple Jump. Newton could also pick up points in the 800 Relay.

 

 

Seneca

State Qualifiers – 16 Total: 13 Individuals, 3 Relays

 

Outlook – The Irish rolled to an easy win on their home track resulting in 16 qualifiers. This team has the pieces to finish in the first three. Willow Stuedemann was all state last year in the 100 & 200. She could place high in both events on Saturday. She will also be a part of their 400 & 800 Relays. Cora Wilkinson could get her team top five points in the 300 Hurdles. It would be a bonus if she scores in the Triple Jump. Her sister Lexi could give her team points in either the Long Jump and/or Triple Jump. It would be a bonus for Seneca if Shawnna Goins can place in the Shot Put. Seneca has a good young distance squad that could get points in the 3200 Relay. Eva Bruno could pick up bonus points in the 1600.

 

 

Sidell Jamaica (COOP)

State Qualifiers – 8 Total: 8 Individuals, 0 Relays

 

Outlook – Four athletes could lead this team to a state championship. Jenny Kimbro is the BIG favorite in the 100 Hurdles and the 300 Hurdles. She could also place third or higher in the 200 Meter Dash. Kimbro has jumped 17-1 this season. She possibly could score points in that event. They will also score points in the weight events from Abby Nicholson and Katie Witte. Nicholson could finish in the top five in the Shot Put. They could also get double digit points from Witte and Nicholson in the Discus. Estella Bush could qualify for the 400 finals giving her team bonus points. That could all add up to a state championship.

 

 

St. Joseph-Ogden

State Qualifiers – 10 Total: 6 Individuals, 4 Relays

 

Outlook – The Spartans could get points from their 3200 Relay, 400 Relay, and 800 Relay. Hanna Atwood could score some big points in the Pole Vault. Freshman Frankie Izard could give her team points in the 100. Parker Francisco could also make the finals in the 100 Hurdles giving her team points.

 

Sullivan

State Qualifiers – 6 Total: 5 Individuals, 1 Relay

 

 

Outlook – This team is in the same position as they were last year. They brought home a trophy finishing second. They could do that again this season. Amanda McClain will be the favorite in the Long Jump and the 400 Meter Dash. She has the top 1A time in the 200 Meter Dash and could finish 3^rd or higher in that event. Emily Neuhauser will give her team big points in the 200 Meter Dash as well as the 100 Meter Dash. Their 800 Meter Relay is defending their championship, but have only run 1:47 this season. Big points are needed from that event if this team wants a top three finish.